Summary
Tesla’s European sales plunged 45% in January, while the EV market grew 37%, with rivals like Volkswagen and Renault gaining ground.
Production changes for the Model Y is claimed to contribute to lower sales, but Elon Musk’s political controversies also sparked backlash.
Musk’s support for far-right parties and attacks on European leaders have made him unpopular, as polls show negative perceptions in Germany and the UK.
Tesla’s struggles come as European automakers face stricter emissions targets, increasing competition in the region’s growing EV market.
Isn’t he? He may have mellowed, but by all accounts he was an asshole while at Microsoft, he made his money leading them through a hugely monopolistic period (was subject to antitrust litigation on two continents), has faces sexual harrasment allegations and spent a lot of time with Epstein.
Certainly he seems to be a lot better than Musk, I’ll give him credit for his charitable efforts, but even in that there’s controversy around the undue influence it gives him in the various spheres the charity spends money, pushing private education over public and working to prevent the Oxford COVID vaccine IP rights being waived.